5 Days Until Primary Votes are Counted, Sedgwick County Sheriff Race Too-Close-to-Call; Bennett with Slight Advantage in District Attorney Contest:

In a Republican primary for Sedgwick County Kansas Sheriff today, 08/02/12, five days until votes are counted, Wichita Police Department Captain Jeff Easter and incumbent Bob Hinshaw finish effectively even, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for KWCH-TV in Wichita. Compared to an identical SurveyUSA poll 1 month ago, there is no movement: it was tied then, tied now. Either candidate may win. Turnout will decide. Wealthy and educated voters back Hinshaw. Less affluent and less educated voters back Easter.

In the contest for Sedgwick County District Attorney, Deputy District Attorney Marc Bennett has a slight advantage over former Deputy District Attorney Kevin O'Connor. Bennett finishes with 50% to O'Connor's 40%. Bennett runs strongly among males, older voters, those with a 4-year college degree, pro-choice voters and those who do not own a gun. O'Connor is strong among younger voters and Tea Party members. Among Conservatives and gun owners, groups that O'Connor needs, he is even with Bennett. Two weeks ago, Bennett lead by 18, today by 10. Incumbent District Attorney Democrat Nola Foulston, first elected in 1988, is not seeking re-election. There is no Democrat running for the seat; the winner of the 08/07/12 primary will be the next District Attorney.

Cell phone respondents and home phone respondents included in this survey:
SurveyUSA interviewed 1,400 Sedgwick County adults 07/30/12 through 08/01/12. Of the adults, 1,208 were registered to vote. Of the registered, 610 were identified by SurveyUSA as registered Republicans and 223 were identified as unaffiliated voters, who may vote in the Republican primary if they choose to affiliate with the Republican Party on election day. Of the Republicans and unaffiliated voters, 458 were determined by SurveyUSA to have already returned a ballot or to be likely to vote before the 08/07/12 deadline. This survey was conducted using blended sample, mixed-mode. Respondents reachable on a home telephone (94% of likely voters) were interviewed on their home telephone in the recorded voice of a professional announcer. Respondents not reachable on a home telephone (6% of likely voters) were shown a questionnaire on their smartphone or other electronic device.